Real Madrid vs Alavés 2-1: Result, Stats and Match Report

Event Overview

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés in a tightly contested La Liga clash on 21 April 2026 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on either side of halftime delivered the points, while a stoppage-time strike from Toni Martínez ensured a tense finish.

The result reduced the gap to league leaders FC Barcelona to six points, keeping the title race active heading into the final stretch of the season.

Match Details

• Competition: La Liga (Round 33)
• Date: 21 April 2026
• Venue: Santiago Bernabéu
• Attendance: 61,468
• Final Score: Real Madrid 2-1 Alavés
• Half-time: 1-0

Real Madrid entered the fixture following Champions League elimination and a two-match winless league run. The performance was controlled for long spells but exposed familiar defensive vulnerabilities late in the game.

Match Timeline and Key Moments

The game unfolded in clear phases, defined by Madrid’s early control and Alavés’ late surge.

• 30’ – Goal (1-0): Mbappé opened the scoring, finishing from close range after a precise pass from Arda Güler.
• 50’ – Goal (2-0): Vinícius doubled the lead, meeting a forward pass from Federico Valverde and striking into the bottom corner.
• 90+3’ – Goal (2-1): Toni Martínez scored with the final kick after an assist from Ander Guevara.

Madrid led comfortably for most of the match but were forced into a defensive stance in stoppage time.

Tactical Analysis

Under Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid deployed a 4-4-2 structure, emphasizing width and transition play. The system relied on:

• Progressive passing from midfield
• Wide attacking channels, particularly through Vinícius
• Forward runs from Valverde

Alavés, guided by Quique Sánchez Flores, used a 5-3-2 formation, prioritizing defensive compactness and counter-attacks.

Late substitutions introduced attacking players, shifting momentum toward the visitors in the closing stages.

Match Statistics

The statistical profile reveals a nuanced contest beyond the final scoreline:

• Possession: Real Madrid 61% – 39% Alavés
• Total Shots: 24 – 19
• Shots on Target: 8 – 5
• Expected Goals (xG): 1.63 – 2.02 (Alavés higher)
• Completed Passes: 629 (Real Madrid)
• Final-third Entries: 86 (Real Madrid)

Madrid dominated territorial and volume metrics, but Alavés generated more efficient scoring opportunities, including two attempts hitting the woodwork.

Key Performers

Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé scored his 24th league goal of the season, continuing a consistent scoring run. His movement and positioning were decisive in breaking the deadlock.

Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius delivered the second goal and remained the primary attacking outlet. He also contributed creatively, producing key passes and stretching the defensive line.

Andriy Lunin

Andriy Lunin made four saves, including key interventions that preserved Madrid’s lead despite late pressure.

Toni Martínez

Alavés’ most active forward, Martínez registered multiple attempts and capitalized late to reduce the deficit.

Team News and Lineups

Real Madrid fielded a strong starting XI featuring Mbappé and Vinícius in attack, supported by a midfield including Valverde and Jude Bellingham.

A key disruption came just before halftime when Éder Militão exited due to injury and was replaced by Antonio Rüdiger.

Player performances were mixed:

• Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed with attacking contributions
• Defensive cohesion weakened after substitutions
• Midfield control fluctuated under pressure

Head-to-Head Context

Real Madrid maintained a dominant historical record in this fixture. The victory continues a consistent trend of positive results against Alavés, reinforcing their superiority in recent meetings.

Recent Form and Context

Madrid entered the match with only one win in five games across competitions. The victory:

• Ended a two-match league winless run
• Restored momentum after Champions League elimination
• Provided a necessary response in the title race

Alavés, coming off a 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad, remain near the relegation zone.

Post-Match Analysis

The result highlights a recurring pattern in Real Madrid’s season:

Strengths

• Clinical finishing in decisive moments
• High attacking quality from Mbappé and Vinícius
• Ability to control possession and territory

Weaknesses

• Defensive instability late in matches
• Conceding high-quality chances despite dominance
• Lack of efficiency relative to volume of opportunities

Alavés’ superior expected goals figure reinforces concerns about Madrid’s defensive structure and chance prevention.

Impact on La Liga Standings

The win reduces Barcelona’s lead to six points. However, Madrid’s margin for error remains minimal with only a few matches remaining.

Barcelona still control the title race and have the opportunity to extend the gap again in upcoming fixtures.

A decisive second El Clásico later in the season could significantly influence the outcome.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Real Madrid: Away vs Real Betis
• Alavés: Home vs RCD Mallorca

Both fixtures carry substantial implications—Madrid for the title race and Alavés for survival.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Alavés delivered the required outcome but not a complete performance. The attacking unit once again proved decisive, converting key chances at critical moments.

However, the match exposed persistent structural issues, particularly in defensive transitions and game management under pressure.

As the La Liga season approaches its conclusion, Madrid remain in contention—but only if they combine results with improved consistency.